May 2017 – Here for Life

Think F.A.S.T. – educate yourself about the symptoms of a stroke

May 19, 2017

May is Stroke Awareness Month so it’s a good time to learn some interesting facts about strokes and the importance of recognizing the signs of a stroke. It is often thought strokes only happen to older people and that isn’t true. A stroke can happen at any age. In fact, stroke is on the rise in adults age 25-55. For people under the age of 45 almost ¾ experiencing the signs of a stroke would wait and seek medical attention only if symptoms progressed. At HCMC about half of stroke patients are younger than age 65. (more…)

A spinal injury that changed a young man’s life

May 18, 2017

Spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries can happen in an instant and may significantly change a person’s life. This was the case for Nick Maestas, who ended up with a spinal fracture after a diving accident in rural Minnesota.

Fortunately for Nick, he was taken to Cambridge Hospital where he was immediately evaluated. The medical staff at Cambridge transferred Nick via helicopter to one of Minnesota’s Level 1 trauma centers, Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). At HCMC, Nick’s family was met by the trauma team in the emergency department. At this point, Nick was stabilized and several tests were done to determine the full extent of his injuries. (more…)

When you’re not ready for hospice: the IMPACT care model

May 15, 2017

IMPACT is a Medicare model utilized at Hospice of the Twin Cities that provides support and care coordination for terminally-ill patients who live at home, have Medicare Parts A & B eligibility, and who continue to treat their CHF, COPD, HIV or cancer diagnosis.

IMPACT patients are not yet ready for hospice and continue to get treatment for their illness. The model provides hospice-like support through telephonic case management along with social work, home health, and spiritual care services, adding to a patient’s plan of care and treatment. Oftentimes, stigma alone prevents patients from choosing hospice, and if such services are offered as patients treat their disease, their quality of life can improve significantly. Ultimately, they are likely to experience the benefits of hospice – seeing it as enhancing and not ending life – and will opt for hospice when ready. (more…)

Measles is on the rise – what should you do?

May 3, 2017

Measles infections continue to spread in Minnesota with cases reported in Hennepin, Ramsey and Crow Wing counties. Unvaccinated children are getting this vaccine-preventable disease, most of whom are under five years of age. HCMC is working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as they monitor and provide guidance for this recent outbreak.

Measles is highly infectious and can cause severe illness leading to hospitalization or even death. Early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A rash then develops which spreads from the head to the rest of the body. Complications from measles include ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis (brain infection).

Measles spreads quickly among people who have not been vaccinated. The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles if you are exposed.
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Microneedling?

May 2, 2017

The North Loop Clinic is open! And with that, within the walls of our dermatology expertise, we will offer several cosmetic procedures including microneedling, an in-office based procedure quickly gaining popularity. This procedure helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, dyspigmentation, and many more conditions. (more…)